Note: Footnotes in the print source have been moved to the end of the electronic document and numbered consecutively. For descriptive purposes, words and phrases preceding footnote markers in the print source have been added to notes at the end of the electronic document. About the print versionKagekiyo The No Plays of Japan Arthur Waley

1st Edition

Alfred A. Knopf New York 1922

Prepared for the University of Virginia Library Electronic Text Center.

Revisions to the electronic version September 1997 corrector Catherine Tousignant, Electronic Text Center

It was in the third year of Juyei, 8 At the close of the third month. We of Heike were in our ships, The men of Genji on shore. Two armies spread along the coast Eager to bid in battle For final mastery. Then said Noritsune, Lord of Noto, "Last year at Muro Hill in the land of Harima, At Water Island, even at Jackdaw Pass, We were beaten again and again; outwitted By Yoshitsune's strategy. Oh that some plan might be found, some counsel given For the slaying of Kuro." 9 So spoke he. Then thought Kagekiyo in his heart, "Though he be called 'Judge,' Yet is he no god or demon, this Yoshitsune. An easy task! Oh easy for one that loves not His own life chiefly! So he took leave of Noritsune And landed upon the beach. The soldiers of Genji "Death to him, death to him!" cried As they swept towards him.